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Help with manual settings for moon shots?

Hi,

The camera I use is S1 IS. I need some help with manual settings for moon shots.

When I take moon pictures, I first try 1/500 to 1/800 in Shutter Priority Mode. I also try full Manual mode with shutter 1/500 to 1/800 and Aperture between F5.6 and F8 (I try various apertures between 5.6 to 8 with no luck).

The problem is that in Shutter Priority mode, the camera AF doesn't work. Focus never locks. So I try manual focus (in both Tv and M modes), set it to infinity. When I do that, moon looks nice and sharp on camera's LCD. But when I view it on computer, it looks blurry as in out of focus image.

The camera I use is S1 IS. I need some help with manual settings for moon shots.

When I take moon pictures, I first try 1/500 to 1/800 in Shutter Priority Mode. I also try full Manual mode with shutter 1/500 to 1/800 and Aperture between F5.6 and F8 (I try various apertures between 5.6 to 8 with no luck).

The problem is that in Shutter Priority mode, the camera AF doesn't work. Focus never locks. So I try manual focus (in both Tv and M modes), set it to infinity. When I do that, moon looks nice and sharp on camera's LCD. But when I view it on computer, it looks blurry as in out of focus image.

You don't state wheter you're using a tripod or not. You MUST use a tripod. Also, use Spot metering. This was shot with an S2 a f/7.2 at 1/200:

If you had done a Canon forum seach, you would have found that there was an S2 moon thread already, and you wouldn't have to clog up the works with a redundent thread. The search tool is your friend. But, since we're here...here's the link to Canon forum moon thread which has some tips and good examples: http://www.dcresource.com/forums/sho...highlight=moon

I have tried these settings you mention but seem to have a different s2 and wont set to those settigs it will only do 50 iso and 1/200 @ 7/1. I am new to this but are you sure you are correct?

Nice picture though.

Jeeeezzzzzzzzzzz! F/7.2 WAS A TYPO! You know, the number one is right next to the number two...I am not an in infallable being, whatever you may think (personally I'm flattered, though ). Isn't it reasonable to expect that I meant 7.1??? So, for the record, it was shot at f/7.1 @ 1/200.

I mean really...

And thanks for the "qualified" compliment (your sarcastic addition of the "though" was a nice touch). In essence what you're really saying nice picture even though you supplied incorrect information, right? Whatever...

seems someone has mistaken my innocence for sarcasim, but hey i really am new to this and sorry if i have offended anyone Maybe i should use smileys to highlight what exactly i mean aye: My bad.
Remove the Though and its still a cool picture imo..

Please remember when you use a lens to magnify the moon you are also magnifying the rotation of the earth - You will get motion blur from the moons apparent movement do to the earth's rotation if you use shutter speeds below 1/100 second. I have not tested this exclusively so I can't tell you exactly at what speed, but if you look some of your photos around or below 1/100, you will see the features of the moon go from soft to blurry the slower the shutter speed you use. The moon is bright enough on most evenings to allow you to use F8 with a shutter speed of at least 1/500 depending on ISO setting. Of course you will have to use manual settings for this as the camera will want to over expose the moon because of all the dark night sky in the frame.

seems someone has mistaken my innocence for sarcasim, but hey i really am new to this and sorry if i have offended anyone Maybe i should use smileys to highlight what exactly i mean aye: My bad.
Remove the Though and its still a cool picture imo..